Capítulo 1249: Chapter 1248: The Butler’s Authority
Over there, Song Hong seized an opportunity to pull Steward Su aside. They have been dealing with each other for many years, so there’s still so face value between them.
Not to ntion, Song Hong is currently quite favored by the Emperor, so Steward Su will naturally give Song Hong so face, and followed him obediently to the side.
However, Steward Su is also a thousand-year-old fox; once he was aside, he simply smiled without speaking.
Song Hong cursed silently, but his face still bore a smile as he cautiously asked, “The Emperor’s grace is overwhelming, which truly astonishes this official. However, there is one matter this official does not understand. I hope Steward Su can enlighten —”
As he spoke, he slipped a purse filled with gold beads into Steward Su’s hand.
Steward Su politely said, “What is our relationship? There’s no need for such courtesy, Lord Duke.” While weighing the purse, he added, “What is it that Lord Duke does not understand?”
Song Hong whispered, “The morial this official submitted only ntioned the establishnt of the Princely Heir—” The rest of the words were left unsaid.
Steward Su chuckled, “Isn’t the Lord Duke confused? Have you perhaps forgotten the Gu Family?”
With just these two words spoken, Song Hong suddenly realized. Indeed, he had forgotten. Nowadays, the wife of the Eldest Brother isn’t so maid from the countryside, but the niece of the Gu Family.
Given the Gu Family’s protective nature, with Song Chongjin becoming the Princely Heir, who else could this Wife of the Heir-Apparent be besides Wang Yongzhu?
But the Gu Family is excessively domineering. Such a significant matter, if discussed privately and considered properly, would he not agree? Instead, they went ahead, silently bypassing the Song Family, having the Emperor issue a decree?
How would he wield influence over the Gu Family in the future?
Thoughts racing through his mind, Song Hong’s face maintained its smile, and he slapped his forehead: “It’s true, I was confused. Too many matters at ho these days, and I sohow forgot about this. It’s embarrassing, truly embarrassing.”
Steward Su cupped his hands towards Song Hong: “Lord Duke has too many joyful events, overwheld by happiness; it’s human nature, human nature after all! With such wonderful sons and daughters-in-law, Lord Duke is truly blessed!”
“Alright, the ti is almost up. I must return to the palace to report back! Farewell, farewell!”
With that, he was supported by several chamberlains into the carriage and left amidst the accompanying crowd.
Song Hong turned back to see Song Chongjin, who stood sensibly far away, and felt moved. He approached and patted his shoulder: “Today is a day of double happiness. From now on, you are the Heir of Duke of Weiguo, and your wife too is the Wife of the Heir-Apparent! In the future, the Duke’s Mansion will inevitably be handed over to you and your wife!”
“Now there should be no worry about your father deceiving you, right? Let’s go inside, on such a joyous day, we must host a grand banquet for three days!”
With that said, he signaled Song Chongjin to follow him inside.
Song Chongjin, however, stood still, rely looking at Song Hong: “Father is right. Yongzhu being established as the Wife of the Heir-Apparent is largely thanks to Uncle Gu’s efforts. Tomorrow I must prepare a generous gift with Yongzhu to properly thank Uncle Gu. Otherwise, if others find out, wouldn’t they say that I, Song Chongjin, am ungrateful and don’t know the good from the bad? Father, don’t you agree?”
Song Hong’s old face flushed with embarrassnt. He didn’t suspect that Song Chongjin had overheard his conversation with Steward Su, rely assuming the Gu Family had inford Song Chongjin in advance.
Feeling secretly annoyed, his son, knowing the circumstances, hadn’t bothered to remind him, his father. Did he find it amusing to see his father embarrassed?
Though in truth he felt sowhat guilty, he concealed his anger and replied, “You’re right! Tonight I’ll speak to your mother, have her prepare a generous gift to thank Lord Gu!”
Simultaneously, he added as compensation, “Speaking of which, now that you’re going to court every day, your wife is now the Wife of the Heir-Apparent. She can’t be doing those public appearances anymore. If people see it, what kind of propriety does that maintain? Those businesses, either leave them to the servants or close them altogether. Our Duke’s Mansion doesn’t lack her silver.”
“If she has nothing to do, then let your wife learn well from your mother about managing things. Your mother isn’t one to cling to power, so let your wife learn well. When the ti cos, your mother can hand over the managent responsibilities to your wife, and enjoy peaceful days!”
Song Chongjin followed Song Hong, hearing these words without showing any sign of joy, rely stating, “I will discuss this with Yongzhu when I return, father.”
Upon hearing this, Song Hong’s eyebrows furrowed.
This eldest son he got back for free is excellent in everything but this one aspect he disapproves of: a man who stands tall and manages his household, and sothing good happens, yet he can’t decide? Still needs to go back and discuss it with the woman? What’s there to discuss?
He thought of saying a few things, but considering it was a good day, he eventually remained silent.
On second thought, the eldest daughter-in-law isn’t a fool. Such a good matter that nearly handed over managent power to her, who would push it away?
One must know, a Wife of the Heir-Apparent with managent rights is vastly different from one without.
It’s simply his good nature. Would it be so easy to yield the control of the household if it were another family?
Thus, he simply nodded and said no more.
Late in the evening, inside the main room.
Song Hong had not visited Lady Gao’s side for so days. When he ca over this evening, Lady Gao didn’t think much of it, assuming he was there to discuss the family banquet in two days.
Dutifully, she assisted Song Hong in changing into casual clothes and personally served tea before gently asking, “Is Master worried about the banquet in two days? Is there anything else to remind of?”
Song Hong took a sip of tea, put down the cup, and pulled Lady Gao’s hand, letting her sit next to him. He vaguely spoke about sending a generous gift to the Gu Family tomorrow, rely saying to heavily thank them, unwilling to elaborate further.
Lady Gao nodded, not asking further.
Song Hong appreciated Lady Gao’s sensibility, asking the necessary questions without prying into what should not be asked, thus saying, “We’ve been husband and wife for many years. Would I not understand you? With you handling things, what do I have to worry about?”
Lady Gao smiled, about to speak, but then heard Song Hong continue: “I was just thinking, since the decree has already been issued, the position of the Princely Heir is established, eventually this mansion should be handed to them as a couple. Outside, I take the Eldest Brother around for social engagents and teach him, which is not a concern.”
“It’s just the backyard affairs that require Madam’s effort! Although the eldest daughter-in-law’s background is sowhat decent now, ultimately she lived in the countryside before, lacking vision and exposure to the world. How would she understand social interactions and managent duties?”
“If it were before, it would have been fine! Now she’s the Wife of the Heir-Apparent, which involves the Song Family’s reputation. Madam must take extra care to guide her well. For any matters, let the younger ones run errands. With you overseeing things, they shouldn’t make any major mistakes.”
Lady Gao’s smile gradually faded away, leaving only a superficial smile on her face.
Next to her, Sister Kang, Lady Gao’s close attendant, along with two maids, Ming Xin and Ming Yue, exchanged looks of alarm upon hearing these words.
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